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22 thoughts on “Dawn breaks”

The African penguins look almost identical to me to the Magellanic penguins of Patagonia (southern Argentina/Chile), complete with the black stripe on their chest and the splodge of pink above the eye. Scroll down for a couple of shots of them:https://alisonanddon.com/2013/12/15/feathers-ferries-tierra-whatever-and-penguins/
They must all come from a common source I would think, though the Patagonian penguins live way further south than the African ones.
Alison

I agree – the species are very similar and must have a common link / wondering how far back? The southern continents share flora and fauna species back to Gondwana – common heritage there except for that Wallace Line where marsupials and other wonderfully odd critters evolved east of the line.

My husband just shared a sad penguin story about 40,000 chicks died due to hyperthermia when a rainstorm prevented the parents from returning in time when feeding in Antarctic. Sad these dear creatures are among those who are endangered.

It’s awful to think that they may disappear by 2050 – they’re in a worse plight than the rhinos. Yes, depleted fish stocks and warming ocean currents driving the fish to find the cooler water. Oh yes, what’s that about climate change?!

Welcome!

Meet the wild creatures living along the urban edge at the southern end of the Cape Peninsula (Cape Town) South Africa. From African penguins at Boulders Beach to the smallest of mammals, the rare Pygmy mouse; daily visitors include mongoose, porcupine, genet, otters, and dassies. Shy caracal (lynx) keep a low profile but fulfill the role of predator. Not least are the charismatic Chacma baboons, a dynamic part of the urban edge fauna. The backdrop is the rich floral heritage of the Cape Floral Kingdom including fabulous bird and insect species.